Though this is the story of the game, it can only be found in game, as long as no buttons are pressed. The other place you can find it is either through the publisher or developers website, and in the instruction manual.
Hermano is an action platformer that pays homage to games like Decap attack on the Genesis. You play as Nano that is armed with his head to throw as a weapon as well as bombs you can throw. Both the bombs and Nano’s head can be used to take out enemies, while the bombs can also be used to take out spikes and other seemingly indestructible objects in order to progress through each stage.
The goal in the game is to find the key in each stage to open up the gate and move on to the next level. Given the amount of backtracking that this game has, the levels sometimes feel a lot longer than they should and in some cases can make the player feel a bit lost.
One could argue that the amount of backtracking in this game is due to the fact there are only 15 levels in the game including 4 bonus levels. On the flip side to that, 15 levels is a lot of levels for an action platforming game on the GameBoy. I don’t think there should have been this amount of backtracking. It feels like it’s padding the game when it really doesn’t need it.
Hermano is graphically impressive. The player character and every enemy is rather large and very well animated. The only issue I have with the game is that it really doesn’t make much use of the color palettes the GameBoy Color has to offer, but really shines on the Super GameBoy. When playing on a Super GameBoy, you get a bright and colorful game specific border and a great use of the color palettes built into the Super GameBoy cart. To the point that it almost feels like a genuine GameBoy Color game instead of an original GameBoy game.
Performance wise, Hermano also really shines regardless of what you’re playing it on. Like previously stated, the player and enemies are very well animated and move very smoothly. In addition to this, the environmental scrolling is also very smooth and well done.
Hermano doesn’t have the greatest sound track, but what’s here fits the game very nicely. Each stage has its own track that are all very catchy and fun to listen to. The sound effects of Nano as he jumps and the enemies themselves are a tad bit repetitive but not to the point that you will have to mute the game to enjoy it. They fit the game nicely and add a bit of charm to this fun and ambitious platformer.
Hermano is an action platformer that is a bit basic with a lot of backtracking that is unnecessary. Though it’s basic, it’s meant as a compliment rather than an insult. You don’t have a lot you have to learn, apart from the layout of each stage and enemy patterns. There aren’t a lot of buttons or abilities to learn and memorize, just a very fun and enjoyable platformer. Yes, the backtracking found in each stage, especially the later stages feels like padding, it’s still a very fun and rewarding game to experience and play.
Any fan of games like Mario, Decap Attack, or even Bubsy should really pick up this game. It’s a very fun and enjoyable game that is best played on a Super GameBoy for the best experience.
Disclaimer: A review copy was provided
You can purchase the game here.
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.